Todd Lanthrip, who held the rank of captain in the Mathiston Volunteer Fire Department in Mathiston, Mississippi, departed this earth in the early morning hours of June 13, 2019. He suffered a heart attack following his return from responding to a vehicular accident. He was 53 years of age.
Todd was born on July 13, 1965, and was a lifetime resident of our area, receiving his education at Mathiston High School. At an early age, he felt the need to give back to his community and began serving in the Mathiston Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 22. A sincere, humble man without any pretense, he dedicated himself to learning his craft to the best of his ability and focused on serving those who needed assistance. He served on the department for a total of 31 years.
During his time on the Mathiston Volunteer Fire Department, he reached out to younger firemen and helped them hone their craft. Many expressed gratitude for his assistance, which he always offered with a servant-like heart. He offered positive encouragement and genuinely wished to see both his department and his community flourish. He was certified through the Mississippi State Fire Academy and a nationally registered E.M.R.
Todd was a man of many interests, but work was often his preference. Even though his duties were many and his time was limited, he also served as a member of the Reform Fire Department from 2003-2019. He was an outdoorsman at heart and enjoyed hunting, fishing, tending his cattle, and enjoying God’s creation. A dedicated family man, Todd was the loving husband of his wife, Kristie, for 33 years, a devoted father to his son, Jonathan, and the proud grandfather of Kamdin and James.
Above all of this, however, was Todd’s devotion to his faith. He served as both a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Blythe Creek Baptist Church in Choctaw County, Mississippi. His faith was genuine, and his life was an extension of the good works that are the fruit of faithfulness. He loved nothing more than telling others about his Lord and Savior.
Todd Lanthrip will be remembered as a man who led by example, not a showman….a man whose roots were sunk deep in our community and whose pride was loving those around him and serving them to the best of his ability. May he rest in peace.
I am trying hard to keep God first and move forward like I should. It’s hard when you don’t talk a lot to people. In due time I will learn to talk and trust again. Until then one step at a time like we always said to each other when things were tough. Here’s to you until we meet again. I love you Todd Lanthrip forever and always
– Kristie Lanthrip